Food bank partners hand out, collect holiday treats

Updated 9:37 pm, Saturday, November 17, 2012

Photo: Lisa Krantz, San Antonio Express-News

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Suzanne Stahl, right, an employee of Security Service Federal Credit Union and her son, Cameron Stahl, 18, try to direct traffic towards a San Antonio Food Bank truck as they volunteer with Security Service Federal Credit Union employees to receive donations of turkeys, other food and cash for the San Antonio Food Bank on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012.

Suzanne Stahl, right, an employee of Security Service Federal Credit Union and her son, Cameron Stahl, 18, try to direct traffic towards a San Antonio Food Bank truck as they volunteer with Security Service

Suzanne Stahl, left, an employee of Security Service Federal Credit Union and her son, Cameron Stahl, 18, try to direct traffic towards a San Antonio Food Bank truck as they volunteer with Security Service Federal Credit Union employees to receive donations of turkeys, other food and cash for the San Antonio Food Bank on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012.

Suzanne Stahl, left, an employee of Security Service Federal Credit Union and her son, Cameron Stahl, 18, try to direct traffic towards a San Antonio Food Bank truck as they volunteer with Security Service

Mikee Dobratz, 10, the son of Security Service Federal Credit Union employee Elizabeth Dobratz, sits with food baskets donated by the Prince Hall Freemasons, San Antonio Lodge 1, as he volunteers with Credit Union employees to accept donations of turkeys, other food and cash for the San Antonio Food Bank on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012.

Mikee Dobratz, 10, the son of Security Service Federal Credit Union employee Elizabeth Dobratz, sits with food baskets donated by the Prince Hall Freemasons, San Antonio Lodge 1, as he volunteers with Credit

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Demand for assistance is outpacing supplies at the Food Bank, said Michael Guerra, its chief development officer.

“Before the recession, we were helping about 25,000 people a week, now it's 58,000,” he said. “As families do their holiday shopping, if they can set aside some for those in need, that would go along way to nourish many families.”

Mackie Finney' arrived at the credit union's Bandera Road/Loop 1604 site with a turkey, canned goods and baby formula.

“The adults can look out for themselves, but the kids can't,” said Finney, 70.

Hard times in their own homes as youngsters led Christopher and Christina Doriott to donate a box of dry goods.

“When I grew up, my mom had to use the food bank,” Christina said. “This is my return.”

Although donations were more sporadic at the credit union's De Zavala branch, enthusiasm ran high among volunteers.

“We have folks that really groove on this because it's visible and it's hands-on,” credit union Vice President John Worthington said.

The good vibes also reverberated at Rackspace — above the blaring music.

“It makes you proud to work for a place that's willing to give back so much to the community,” said Michael Rutkowski, 23.

The company bought 1,000 frozen birds and encouraged workers to each fund a box laden with cranberry sauce and 15 other extras.